Car accidents can happen in a fraction of a second — but the injuries they cause can last a lifetime. At John K. Zaid & Associates, our Houston car accident lawyers have represented hundreds of injury victims across the greater Houston area. Understanding the most common injuries from car accidents can help you recognize symptoms early, seek proper treatment, and protect your right to fair compensation.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Car accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States. A TBI occurs when the brain is damaged by a sudden impact or violent jolt — it doesn’t always require a direct blow to the head. Each year, tens of thousands of Americans suffer long-term disability from TBIs sustained in vehicle crashes. Even mild TBIs (commonly called concussions) can produce memory problems, cognitive difficulties, mood changes, and chronic headaches. One of the most dangerous aspects of TBIs is that symptoms may not appear until days after the accident.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash is the most common injury in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head and neck are snapped suddenly forward and backward, straining the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the neck and upper back. While whiplash often resolves within a few weeks, severe cases can cause lasting pain, limited range of motion, and neurological symptoms. Because soft tissue injuries don’t always appear on standard imaging, insurance companies frequently try to downplay or deny these claims.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of a car accident can break arms, legs, ribs, wrists, collarbones, and facial bones. Some fractures require surgery, hardware implants, and months of physical therapy. Rib fractures are particularly serious because they can complicate breathing and increase the risk of pneumonia or internal injury.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the damage. Lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) injuries are common in high-impact collisions. Herniated discs — where the cushioning between vertebrae ruptures and presses on nerves — are also frequently caused by car accidents and can produce radiating pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs.
Internal Injuries
The seatbelt saves lives, but the force it exerts during a crash can also cause internal bruising and organ damage. Internal bleeding involving the liver, spleen, or kidneys may not be immediately obvious at the scene. A bruise over the abdomen or persistent abdominal pain after an accident should be evaluated by a physician immediately — internal bleeding is a medical emergency.
Lacerations and Burns
Broken glass, deployed airbags, and contact with metal components can cause deep lacerations and abrasions. In serious crashes involving fire or chemical spills, burn injuries may occur. Significant lacerations can lead to nerve damage, infection, and permanent scarring.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The psychological impact of a serious car accident is often underestimated. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a fear of driving are real, diagnosed conditions that can significantly affect a victim’s quality of life. In Texas, you may be able to recover compensation for emotional and psychological injuries in addition to your physical damages.
Injured in a Houston Car Accident? Call Us Today.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident in Houston or anywhere in Texas, the attorneys at John K. Zaid & Associates are ready to help. We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis — no upfront cost, and no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us evaluate your case.